Our body clock tells us when to sleep, what time do we have to wake up and when do we get hungry. Surprisingly, our skin has a clock too that tells us when it is oily, dry or even sensitive to spots and itchiness. It does not only connote about what skincare products must be used, it also gives a hint when is the best time to do the chemotherapy for skin, when is the best time to treat skin problems etc. Here’s how you can get the perfect timing for your daily skincare routine so you’ll know you’re on the right track:

6am

You’ll probably notice the extra puffiness of your skin as soon as you wake up. Those are your skin cells that also just woke up. They have spent the whole night multiplying in the base of your skin’s outer layer while you’re asleep. Gently massage the hollow of your cheeks upwards to ensure to get rid of the puffiness.

8am

Blood flow will be at its lowest so you will most likely look palest at this time of the day. It is slowly activating its defense mechanism against the sun, so it stops toxins from getting out and moisture from getting out. You may opt to add an anti-oxidant cream or a moisturizer around this time.

10am

Studies show that this is the most supple time of your skin as your cells have grown hours, oil production is still low while your skin is increasing its moisture levels leaving in finer and more plumped. However, if you’re stressed, your skin can also detect it and produce more hormonal Cortisol. Cortisol decreases hyaluronic acid, which is a natural moisturiser, and chronic stress impairs the skin’s barrier, leading to water loss.

1pm

It is best if you have eaten a protein-riched meal during your lunch and more soup as drinking water is important. The skin loses around a litre of water a day and moisture loss speeds up as the afternoon wears on.

3pm

This is not only the hottest time of the day for the environment, it is probably what your skin is saying. This is the oiliest time of the day where there is a huge tendency for your makeup to melt and slip. So you probably want to avoid touching your face especially when your hands get extra busy doing all the work as this is the reason that will leave you more spots and marks on your face.

7pm

Alcohol is very inevitable at this time around but your skin does not like it. Blood flow increases early evening so it is prone to redness, and alcohol inflames the skin as well as dehydrating it, which is why wrinkles may look at their worst now.

9pm

Your skin’s natural barrier will be more permeable over the next few hours. It’s the perfect time to exfoliate, as it removes dead skin cells and sends signals to produce more cells overnight. Exfoliating at night will double the function of night creams and serums making it easily absorbent.

12am

Skin is extra sensitive and low in defense. Make sure to apply moisturizers before you hit the sack as the skin lose water overnight. Avoid products that cause your skin some itchiness and irritation.

3am

Make sure to have a good night’s sleep as much as possible by putting away items that causes blue light. Studies show that women who sleep badly at night have are more prone to premature skin aging.

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